Chapter 382: Day 801 (2) – The Protector

Chapter 382: Day 801 (2) – The Protector

“I suspect energy manipulation knowledge. With her second one and what she could do, it is the most likely option. She has progressed to altering her skills much more fluidly and dynamically boosting them,” the Protector explained.

“What does that mean, dynamically boosting?” I asked.

“I suppose another word would be channel. She is no longer constrained by the amount of energy a skill requires, but can put as much as she desires. Massive blasts, wide area of effect.”

I frowned at this. “Then that is good. She would run out of energy more quickly. And the Body stat as high as hers will burn through energy.”

“Perhaps, but it would not be easy to close the distance and deal sufficient damage to take her down,” the Protector said.

“Hmm, well we can hold off on a team-up for now. There are still more preparations I need to make,” I said and sipped my juice.

“She will be looking for you. I cannot offer you sanctuary here, my people suffered enough.”

“Just a night is fine. Be nice to sleep on a bed,” I said and he nodded.

“One night is acceptable.”

“Also, I am looking for a skill Force Shot, you know where it might be?” I asked.

“No, I do not. I only know of the dungeons near by city and we do not have that skill.” Cai Fan shook his head.

“So, the Avatar and the Astrologer? Any backstory you would be willing to share?” I asked.

“The Astrologer was a scientist and explorer for the United City States. A prominent one. Over time he grew more powerful. I know he met to negotiate the first peace treaty with the Divine Empress along with other representatives. She only respected him because he had a meta-point or god point.”N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.

“He also built up his collection of warrior women, the Valkyries. I know one perished in the second war with the Divine Empress. But the other four went missing when he did.” I nodded at this. “Many came from Normandy and he spent a lot of time there perfecting his research before the fall of the UCS.”

“When the UCS leadership perished, he was the only person strong enough to take charge of the war effort against the Divine Empress. He even plead for me to intervene, but I refused. Perhaps it was foolish, but I wanted to protect my people and I had promised to stay out of the conflict.” I nodded at this. The Protector was clearly someone who valued a person keeping their word, or at least keeping his word.

“How did the leadership die?” I asked.

“Foolishness. They attacked the power that controls this world. They teamed up with a Lord from the Dragon Empire to break all the city pillars. The city was wiped out by a golden light and everyone was killed. Even the people who were far away. If they were involved, then they perished. I heard a rumor it might have been an anti-point. A direct intervention from the power itself,” the Protector said.

“He did something similar,” I said.

“Oh,” the Protector appeared interested and I decided to share to build up trust. This man would be the perfect teammate for me. I explained what happened in Purgatory. How the Divine Empress and the Astrologer’s proxy had fought and then the golden light.

“Then he caused it and has probably died or lost a meta-point. I would guess the second if he was so brazen to attempt something like this. It would be his word of power Shatter. But his other meta-point. I have no information on.”

“I have been speculating what the Avatar is planning to do to take her out? Any idea?” I asked.

“No. Her plans are like rotten onions. There are layers upon layers, but they all stink. The person who has to eat it, will not be happy. I suggest you tread carefully since her sights are set on you,” the Protector told me.

“Thanks. Team up?” I asked again.

“I will have to decline for right now Champion Michael. I appreciate the offer, but I do not believe we could win. Even with excellent teamwork, the chances of victory are too low.”

“That is unfortunate, but I understand. But there won’t be a deal if I kill her on my own,” I replied.

“That is fine. If you do kill her and come back here, then you will be in a superior position and I will acknowledge that. I believe you know my bottom line and I feel I know what you desire. How do you Americans put it. I will bend the knee?”

“That is very surprising. I thought you would have refused.”

“As long as my people are safe, that is all that matters. Everything else are just details that need to be worked out. Also if you kill the Divine Empress, then I would stand no chance against you. Well, there is always a chance, but I do not like gambling.” I smiled at that, another thing we had in common. Join me Protector, you should join me. I was mentally sending him thoughts like that, but they weren’t working.

“I have to admit, your attitude is impressive for someone of your strength, even if you give credit to others, you are the one sitting here talking with me,” I told him.

“That is true. But bragging is quite rude. I worked hard, but even now it is not enough. The Divine Empress, I truly do not understand that woman. I have spoken to her before, but she refuses to see reason.”

“All that came from her were demands and threats. It is like she wanted the world to fight her. And the use of babies and her throne, her mind is twisted and sick. But it also allowed her to persevere through everything.” We sat in silence some more both of us thinking about the future.

It was nice to have someone who understood everything. “Technical knowledge, would you be willing to share?” I asked.

“We barely do any research here in this city. We are more focused on managing our zones and keeping things stable. What you seek, I do not have. I was never privy to the research of the UCS.”

“Anything you can tell me about the Astrologer’s fighting style or the technology they used?” I asked.

“He liked using enchanted equipment. Astrolabes were also quite prominent to disrupt focused sensing at long distances. But I suspect that the Divine Empress was using the Avatar and the Diviners were a misdirection for people to focus on.”

“They were rumored to be working on an orbital super cannon.” I paused sipping my juice at that.

“An orbital super cannon?” I asked.

“A massive levitating cannon that would blow stuff up from a high altitude. But they were just rumors. But it would have allowed a powerful counter to the Divine Empress’s forces. Just sweeping the battle lines clear and advancing. With air superiority it would be hard to overcome such an advantage. The main limitation would be energy and crystals, but the Astrologer was quite clever, or still is, wherever he is,” the Protector said.

“That is both concerning and quite interesting. An orbital beam cannon. Any sign of something surviving the calamity?” I asked.

“No. Nothing as far as I know, but we kept to our boarders. I am the Protector, not the Adventurer,” he said with a slight smile. I had a feeling he liked using that line.